Tuesday, April 30, 2013

FMCSA Eliminates Redundant Regulation

U.S. Department of Transportation
Office of Public Affairs
1200 New Jersey Ave., S.E.
Washington, DC 20590
www.dot.gov/affairs/index.html

Friday, April 26, 2013
Contact: Duane DeBruyne
Tel.: (202) 366-9999

FMCSA Eliminates Redundant Regulation on Interstate Truck and Bus Drivers, State Licensing Offices.

U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) today announced it has eliminated a reporting regulation for interstate commercial truck and bus drivers and state licensing offices that has been made redundant by technological advances. Elimination of the regulation will not affect safety. Put in place by Congress in 1986 before the advent of widespread computerization and shared data portals, the regulation eliminated today required commercial driver's license (CDL) holders to report out-of-state traffic convictions to their home-state licensing agency. The intent was to record the CDL holder's complete driving record. Beginning in 1994, Congress directed states to electronically share traffic convictions without repealing the previous requirement. Today's action maintains the electronic reporting requirements by states, but eliminates the redundant reporting by interstate truck and bus drivers. The Federal Register notice announcing the Agency's Final Rule on Self Reporting of Out-of-State Convictions is available at: https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2013/04/26/2013-09915/self-reporting-of-out-

Golden Age Adventure MCI Travel Coaches

Golden Age Adventure Travel bounces back from
Hurricane Sandy with second 2013 MCI® J4500

SCHAUMBURG, IL — April 23, 2013 — When Hurricane Sandy struck the East Coast in late October, Golden Age Adventure Travel, New York City, lost every one of its four coaches to the related flooding. "It was hard," said Michael Art, owner and president. "And we struggled with the insurance company."

But Art, who had painstakingly built his business bus by bus and client by client, was undeterred by weather or red tape. Today, only six months later, his fleet is back up to two new MCI J4500 coaches, the latest a 2013 model delivered in March.

"Having brand-new coaches helps us get clients," said Art. "The coaches are really beautiful, and customers love them." Golden Age's most recently delivered J4500 has power outlets at every seat and three-point seatbelts, along with standard model features that include performance technologies including electronic stability control and a suite of safety features that includes tire-pressure monitoring and a fire-suppression system.

MCI redesigned the model for 2013, giving it a taller look and stylish LED headlights. It also features more than 30 improvements, including brushless motors and an optimized, more fuel-efficient powertrain that can achieve 9 MPG at highways speeds. Art said he also appreciates his MCIs for their ease of service and parts availability.

Art, a native of Armenia and former coach driver, took charge of Golden Age in 2008, with the company going back to 1997. Clients include a wide variety of charter customers, including school groups, sports teams and others in the Tri-State area. The company has been effective at building relationships, as evidenced by one of its longest-standing clients, the State Ballet Theatre of Russia, members of whom first came to know Art when he was their driver at another company.

The company is rebuilding its GoldenAgeBus.com website as well as its fleet; Art says that Facebook offers the most current company information. He also says that the fleet should be back up to four coaches by next year. "Everything will be fine," said Art. "We have enough clients. We should be back in the same position by next year."

About MCI

Headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois, with manufacturing facilities in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and Pembina, North Dakota, Motor Coach Industries is the leading intercity coach manufacturer in the United States and Canada, with sales, service and repair facilities in both countries. MCI's D-Series is the best-selling line of coaches in industry history, with more than 13,000 units built. Its J4500 coach model has been the industry's best-selling intercity coach for nine consecutive years. MCI is also the distributor of the Setra S 417, Setra S 407 and Setra parts in the U.S. and Canada. The company offers 24-hour technical support and industry-leading technician training along with the market's most extensive aftermarket parts and repair service.

Monday, April 29, 2013

The Most Popular Budget Bus Companies

One of the cheapest ways to get around in the east coast of the US is traveling by bus. We travel often between New York and Washington DC either to see family, friends, or attend events. It’s convenient, they leave often, and they’re cheap. Megabus and Boltbus are two of the most popular budget friendly bus companies often promoting deals that cost as low as $1. Many of them offer free wifi and outlets too. Both companies promote the same services. So which bus company is better?

Megabus

Megabus was the first company I started using when it comes to budget bus companies. I loved that they left from outside Penn Station in New York City but that didn’t last long. I don’t know when this started happening but now they pickup near Javits Center which is not close to any metro stop. It’s a far walk from Penn Station. Luckily they still drop you off near Penn Station.
The last couple times I’ve taken Megabus, most of the outlets and wifi did not work.

Megabus uses double-decker buses which looks cool from the outside but inside it’s crowded and uncomfortable. It’s always super hot in the bus when you first get in because there’s a window on the top ceiling. You can see it on the picture. It’s not until the driver turns on the A/C that it starts to feel more comfortable.

The seats itself are okay. Nothing crazy but good enough for a couple hours of sitting down.

Boltbus

In my opinion, Boltbus is so much more comfortable than Megabus. There’s way more legroom and the outlets actually work. Because it’s not a double-decker bus, there’s less people in the bus and more room overall.

The wifi has never worked for me though. I’ve taken my mifi card with me and halfway through NYC and DC, it stopped working too. I wonder if the signal on the roads between these two cities just don’t work well.

The last time I took a Boltbus, we had a ten minute break at a highway stop and I really appreciated that. I got some quick snacks and went right back in. I’ve taken quite a few Megabus’s and they’ve only ever stopped at bus stations to pick up or drop off people. There was never enough time to stretch and even if there was, the bus stops are usually not in a great location.

Greyhound

I decided to add one more company to the mix because I recently took Greyhound and was surprisingly impressed. In the past Greyhound always reminded me dirty buses and strange passengers. I took Greyhound once from NYC to Orlando and that was the worst. Just all around horrible customer service and the buses were disgusting. But something changed and I think the rising Megabus and Boltbus type companies might have something to do with Greyhound having to change their look.

I took Greyhound from DC to Philly to the Poconos and the experience was so much better. The seats are amazingly comfortable and the legroom might be more than Boltbus. The only problem is that Greyhound is typically more expensive than Bolt or Megabus but I’m glad we’re finally seeing that the price actually reflects what you get. In the past a $1 Megabus had better quality than a $40 Greyhound bus.

Sunday, April 28, 2013

This 1975 GMC T8H-5307A-2821 - #804

1975 GMC T8H-5307A-2821 Bus #804 - San Diego Transit

WELCOME ABOARD THE 804! Commonly referred to as a "fishbowl" due to the design of the front windshield, this 1975 GMC T8H-5307A-2821 #804 was retired from daily service by San Diego Transit in 1989. After occasional supplemental service and storage from 1990 to 1993, she was bought for scrap by a private party in 1994.

804 then sat for over a year in a dirt field, being used as a storage shed. The 804 was purchased by Mike Jones on April 8, 1995. She underwent an extensive restoration by her new owner, his family and several dedicated friends to bring her to where she is today. 804 was the 2,821 T8H5307A built between 1972 and 1977, and one of 24 purchased by San Diego Transit in 1975.

General Motors Truck and Coach Division manufactured 22,034 "fishbowls" in over 30 different models between 1959 and 1977. While a very small number may still be found in service, and fewer being preserved, their numbers are dwindling rapidly with each passing year. 804 is one of two restored coaches which are part of Mike's extensive collection of streetcar and motorcoach memorabilia. The second coach being former Greyhound #7725. A 1960 GMC PD4104-4503. The entire memorabilia collection and both coaches reside at the Jones home in Alpine, California.

804 and 7725 attend various historic motorcoach meets and transit related special events. Mike Jones began his bus driving career for San Diego Transit in 1969. He was also one of the original crew of Train Operators to open the San Diego Trolley in 1980. Mike drove for North County Transit District from 1989 to 1996.

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Workers' Memorial Day - 11am April 28 -

Workers' Memorial Day - Sunday at 11am April 28 - A Moment of Silence

Workers' Memorial Day is an opportunity to highlight the preventable nature of most workplace accidents and ill health and to promote campaigns and union organisation in the fight for improvements in workplace safety. The slogan for the day is Remember the dead – Fight for the living.^[1]
Although April 28 is used as the focal point for remembrance and a day of international solidarity, campaigning and other related activities continue throughout the year right around the world.

Origins

Workers' Memorial Day ribbon

Workers' Memorial Day was started by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) in 1984. The Canadian Labour Congress declared an annual day of remembrance in 1985 on April 28, which is the anniversary of a comprehensive Workers Compensation Act (refer to the entry Workplace Safety & Insurance Board), passed in 1914. In 1991, the Canadian Parliament passed an Act respecting a National Day of Mourning for persons killed or injured in the workplace, making April 28 an official Workers’ Mourning Day.^[1]^[2]

International recognition

For years Workers Memorial Day events have been organised in Canada and the U.S. and then worldwide. In the USA it has been recognised since 1989. Since 1989 trade unions in North America, Asia, Europe and Africa have organised events on April 28. The late Hazards Campaigner Tommy Harte brought Workers Memorial Day to the UK in 1992 as a day to ‘Remember the Dead: Fight for the Living’. In the UK the campaign for Workers’ Memorial Day has been championed by the Hazards Campaign and taken-up by trade unions, adopted by the Scottish TUC in 1993, followed by the TUC in 1999 and the Health and Safety Commission and Health and Safety Executive in 2000.^[1]^[2]
April 28 is recognised by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) as International Workers' Memorial Day. In 1996 the ICFTU commemorated Workers' Memorial Day and began to set annual 'themes'. For 2006 the ICFTU theme was Union workplaces: safer workplaces, focusing on a Global Ban on Asbestos and increased awareness of HIV/AIDS.^[3] During 2001 the ILO, part of the United Nations, recognised Workers' Memorial Day and declared it World Day for Safety and Health at Work and in 2002 the ILO announced that April 28 should be an official day in the United Nations system.^[1]^[2]
Workers' Memorial Day is recognised as a national day in many countries including: Argentina, Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, Dominican Republic, Gibraltar, Luxembourg, Panama, Peru, Portugal, Spain, Thailand, Taiwan, United States and the United Kingdom. Trade Unions in other countries including Benin, Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary, Malta, Nepal, New Zealand, Romania and Singapore are pursuing government recognition.^[1]^[2]
Workers’ Memorial Day is now an international day of remembrance of workers killed in incidents at work, or by diseases caused by work, and annually on April 28, Workers' Memorial Day events are held throughout the world. Some examples include active campaigning, and workplace awareness events. Public events include speeches, multi-faith religious services, laying wreaths, planting trees, unveiling monuments, balloon releases, raising public awareness of issues and laying out empty shoes to symbolise those who have died at work.

Worldwide

Memorial Tree, Astley Park

According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), across the world:

Each year, more than two million women and men die as a result of work-related accidents and diseases
Workers suffer approximately 270 million accidents each year, and fall victim to some 160 million incidents of -related illnesses
Hazardous substances kill 440,000 workers annually – asbestos claims 100,000 lives
One worker dies every 15 seconds worldwide. 6,000 workers die every day. More people die whilst at work than those fighting wars.^[4]

World Day for Safety and Health at Work

World Day for Safety and Health at Work
Observed by	Workers Worldwide (Geneva for the year 2011)
Type	International
Significance	work environment, occupational safety and health
Date	April 28 (annually)
Related to	International Workers' Day, Labour Day, Labor Day

World Day for Safety and Health at Work is a UN international day that is celebrated every 28th of April. It is concerned about safe work and awareness of the dimensions and consequences of work-related accidents and diseases; to place occupational safety and health (OSH) on the international and national agendas; and to provide support to the national efforts for the improvement of national OSH systems and programmes in line with relevant international labour standards.^[5]
The 2011 World Day for Safety and Health at Work focuses on the implementation of an Occupational Safety and Health Management System (OSHMS) as a tool for continual improvement in the prevention of workplace incidents and accidents.^[

Bus Drivers (52) Reported Being Assaulted

Data Collected On Assaults :

Data collected by Winnipeg Transit shows 52 city bus drivers reported being assaulted while on the job last year.

The head of the union that represents Winnipeg Transit employees is renewing calls for more to be done to keep drivers safe after data from 2012 shows 52 operators were assaulted by passengers last year.

The numbers are down slightly from 2011—when 63 drivers reported being assaulted and city council ordered a report on how to improve safety—but Jim Girden, president of Local 1505 of the Amalgamated Transit Union told Metro Thursday there’s still a big problem.
“One is one too many… there shouldn’t be any assaults on bus operators,” he said.

Related:

The incidents commonly start over fares, said Girden, and the assaults range from verbal abuse to physical assaults—sometimes with impromptu weapons.

“It could be a pop bottle or a hot coffee,” said Girden, who also fears for the safety of riders. “Assaults on drivers are just a step away from assaults on passengers.”

Girden would like to see footage of abusive passengers caught by bus cameras circulated to the media and also thinks having a couple police officers dedicated Transit could help curb the bad behaviour.
While the report ordered last year looked at what Transit currently does to protect drivers, Girden is anxious to see the results of another study coming to council this fall looking at what other cities with similar issues have done.

Coun. Brian Mayes (St. Vital), who sits on the committee waiting for the report and has been active on the issue, said he hopes to have the report back in time to include its recommendations in next year’s budget.

This Week LifeStyle In Luxury Motorcoach

How to Get the Most Out of a Visitor’s Center

If you like to stay off the interstate, you may find yourself driving through an unexpected small town that calls out, “stop here” or “best darn BBQ,” and since you’re RVing there’s no rush, right? If you’re not sure where to start in a new town you might want to head straight to the Visitor’s Center. Sounds a bit obvious I know, but so many people never use this amazing free service. However, if you don’t know the right questions to ask, you won’t get the information you need. Here’s a breakdown on how to get the most out of a visitor’s center.

Parking:

Many times we’ll call ahead and ask the visitor’s center about where we can safely park our RV. Remember, you’re not the first RV to drive through so the visitor’s center will likely have a list of parking locations to accommodate your RV.

Hours of Operation:

Some visitor’s centers are only open on the weekends, others close at 4 pm, while many are open all day and into the night. If you know you’re planning to hit a town, give them a call or check the website to confirm hours of operation.

Camping/Lodging: If you decide you want to stick around but didn’t make a reservation, the visitor’s center knows everything from where to tent camp to big rig friendly resorts and hotels.

Something for Everyone:

The visitor’s center has one job: to get you to stay in their town as long as possible and spend money! From the 5-year-old who wants an ice cream to the 90-year-old who’s looking for the best fishing spot, the visitor’s center is there to help you have fun in its town. Start by checking the walls to see if any brochures catch your eye, then ask the person behind the counter to help you plan your day based on budget, time, and activities. Some have guides on free/affordable things to do in the area. So, no matter what your budget is, there is something for everyone. Don’t forget to ask about farmers markets and special events that might be going on. Some towns have free firework shows, live concert series, and no charge art galleries.

Discounts:

Most visitor’s centers are loaded with discount coupons and special offers to area attractions. From bundle offers to buy one get one free passes, if there are discounts to be found, the visitor’s center will hook you up!

Choose Your Questions Carefully:

Visitor’s centers are setup to be non-biased information sources to help you have the best experience in the town. The problem with this is they’re not supposed to give you their opinions. Let’s use a coffee shop as an example. You don’t want to ask general opinion-based questions such as, “What’s the best coffee shop?” For me, I want non-chain, high-quality coffee with great people watching, so I ask the following: 1. Is there a local coffee shop that roasts their own beans in house? 2. Does the coffee shop have free Wi-Fi? 3. Which coffee shops bake their own pastries? 4. Do they have ample comfortable seating, or a nice street or river view patio? With this series of questions, I will end up at my best location for a quality cup of joe! Yum!

Now that you are armed with a little knowledge test it out on your next trip. If you have any tips for using a visitor’s center, share it with us in the comments below. See you on the road!

Older Driver Assessment Questionnaire*

Driving a motor vehicle is an essential part of most people’s lives. However, the privilege of driving also comes with certain responsibilities. Driving a motor vehicle is a complex task that requires perception, good judgement, adequate responsiveness and reasonable physical capability.
Older drivers and young drivers are more often involved in road crashes than people of other ages. Older drivers have the benefit of years of experience but age may bring changes to the body that can adversely affect driving ability.
Driving safely in later years is simply a matter of knowing your limits. It is important to remember you have a responsibility to your passengers and other road users.

Please follow the links to find out how age may affect your driving as a result of your:

Related information

The Older Driver Self Assessment Questionnaire* provided by RACQ covers a range of issues related to safe driving. A score/rating will be calculated and a list of tips will then be automatically generated based on your responses. The results of the questionnaire should be used as a guide only and should not be used as professional advice about your driving ability.

*The content found by using this link is not created, controlled or approved by this department. No responsibility is taken for the consequences of viewing content on this site.

Friday, April 26, 2013

SchoolTransportation driver 90 Still On Job

Earl Rineer, who just celebrated his 90th birthday, continues to pass his annual physical, train and test school bus drivers, and drive when needed.

At 90, school transportation veteran still on job

By Thomas McMahon

SHARING TOOLS | Email Print RSS

LAFAYETTE HILL, Pa. — Far from slowing down at 90 years old, Earl Rineer still walks or rides his bike to work.
The school transportation veteran, who works for Sague Bus Service, continues to pass his annual physical, train new school bus drivers, conduct recertification classes and drive when needed.
Earl's son Jerry Rineer, who is transportation supervisor for Lower Merion School District in Ardmore, Pa., told SBF that his father recently showed him how he stays so fit.
"He starts out every morning and ends every day doing push-ups, sit-ups, leg lifts, etc.," Jerry Rineer said.
Family members gathered on Saturday to celebrate Earl Rineer's 90th birthday, and several Pennsylvania officials issued proclamations to honor him on the occasion.
"Having reached nine decades of life, you deserve to be recognized and applauded for the innumerable contributions you have made to your family and community," Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett wrote.
"From your service in the defense of our country during World War II to your service to the community as a volunteer firefighter and bus driver, your efforts have benefited many," U.S. Senator Robert Casey Jr. of Pennsylvania wrote.
The commissioners of Montgomery County, Pa., also issued a proclamation highlighting many of Rineer's contributions to the local community and the country.
Rineer served in Europe during World War II. After returning from the war, he served as a police officer and drove a fire truck as a volunteer fireman.
In 1976, Rineer began driving a school bus. In 1980, he became a certified school bus driver instructor.
Last year, during a visit to Blue Bird's plant in Fort Valley, Ga., the manufacturer honored Rineer for his public service and his dedication to transporting the children of Pennsylvania.
Jerry Rineer noted that, in addition to his school transportation job, his father "still performs all kinds of community volunteer services."
For 25 years, Earl Rineer has served as a volunteer bus driver for foreign students for an annual conference in Lancaster, Pa. He has also served as a volunteer bus driver for local churches' weekend retreats and other outdoor activities as well

- Preventing Against Rear-End Collisions -

Rear-end collisions are major kind of car accident through the world, costing car owners and insurance companies, billions of dollars in repairs. They also cause many deaths and injuries.
In most situations, the origin of these crashes is due to the following vehicle travelling too close to the car in front and being unable to stop in time if he car ahead stops suddenly. This is often called 'tailgating'.
Most drivers don't really understand the size of the safe gap distance and how this changes with speed. Many drivers have no way of setting these gaps.
Tail-gating accounts for about 30% of all freeway accidents.
In a rear-end collision the following driver is mostly deemed to have caused the accident because it is their responsibility to leave an adequate gap to the car in front. This applies to 'pile-ups' where several cars may crash into each other, triggered by the last car in the line.

Advanced Electronic Devices

A recent British study reviewed the effectiveness of modern advanced electronic devices for maintaining safe following distances using radar. The Mercedes Distronic Plus, Honda CMBS and Volvo City Safety Car, have radar devices to detect when a following vehicle is too close to the car in front to prevent a collision. Some systems automatically apply the brakes to eliminate any risk of a rear end collision. The image below illustrates how these devices work.
However, electronic systems are complex, very expensive and are very hard to retro fit to older models of cars. Therefore these advances electrinic systems are unlikely to be a widespread solution for most of the older cars on the road.

Mercedes Radar Device

	Accident Prevention Manual: Engineering & Technology, 12th Edition Amazon Price: $185.88 List Price: $165.09
	Accident Prevention Manual for Business & Industry: Administration and Programs, 13th Edition (Occupational Safety & Health Series) Amazon Price: $70.00 List Price: $199.35
	NMC RPT90 Bilingual Accident Prevention Tag, "DANGER DO NOT OPERATE", 3" Width x 6" Height, Unrippable Vinyl, Black/Red on White (Pack of 25) Amazon Price: $16.42

Existing Manual Methods for Setting the Gap - The 2 and 3 Second Rules

Most Motoring authorities around the world suggest setting safe following distance gaps using what is called the 2 or 3 second rules. The concept is that you should leave a gap equivalent to the total distance a car travels in 2 or 3 seconds. This corresponds to the stopping distance and will obviously vary with the speed the car is travelling (see the Appendix). Increased gaps equivalent to 6 to 9 seconds are recommended for wet and icy conditions.

The suggested way of setting these gaps when driving is called the 'Landmark Method'.

The Landmark Method for setting a 2 or 3 second gap to the car in front

However, regardless of their prevalent, these ways of setting 2 and 3 second gaps are problematic.

Landmarks such as trees, lighting or power poles, roadway signs may not be available, especially on multi-lane freeways.

Drivers have to look to the side of the road several times to make the adjustments.

Mentally counting seconds may be inaccurate and distracting.

Clearly most drivers do not know about these methods or cannot use them effectively, as research has shown that most drivers only leave a 1 second gap.

A better method is needed.

Gaprite stickers were designed using perspective images placed in the driver’s view. The images match the size a car travelling in front, would appear at the correct gap distance for the speed.
The design concept was based on perspective images. As an object gets further away it appears to shrink in size. The image of a car was re-sized so that its width, when placed on the inside of a sun visor, would match that of a car ahead, at the 2 or 3 second gap distance for the speed.
Stickers for both the 2 and 3 second rules (shown below) were designed to be attached to the inside of the sun visor or to the top of the windscreen. The way the device is used is shown in the image below. The matching stopping distances for the speed are shown in the Appendix.
Most people are very surprised whan they see the distances required (see the Appendix).
Preliminary trials showed that the stickers were easy to use and non-distracting as the driver always looks ahead when setting the gap.

METRIC/MPH CHART

Stickers for the 2- and 3-second rules

The Sticker is attached to the bottom of the inside of the sunvisor, which can be lowered to adjust the gap to the car in front for the speed.

To use the device, the driver selects the image for the speed the car is travelling and slows down or speeds up until the apparent width of the car ahead, matches the width on the image.
The Gaprite method is practical, simple and non-distracting as the driver looks ahead when setting the gap.

The method is a great way to learn about the size of the safe gaps and how they change with travelling speed.
Further research is required to test its effectiveness. It could be developed as a 'heads-up' display device.

NOTE: The stickers are designed for training and research purposes only, and should not be used when driving.
Appendix: Summaries of the safe stopping distances at very speeds are shown below:

Reaction time and stopping time at various speeds.

Source: http://www.smartmotorist.com/traffic-and-safety-gu...

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Distance (metres) travelled at various speeds (kph) - common speed limits highlighted

DC Trails' Tour and Charters 2013 J4500

DC Trails' new 2013 J4500 takes center stage at DOT Earth Day Fair

SCHAUMBURG, IL — April 18, 2013 — DC Trails

A top Washington, DC, tour and charter company, presented its green transportation credentials when it parked its new 2013 MCI J4500 coach in front of the Department of Transportation's Washington, DC, headquarters for the agency's Earth Day Fair. The model brought to light how today's coaches are especially eco-friendly, releasing less carbon dioxide and using 82 percent less fuel per passenger mile than even a hybrid car. DC Trails' J4500 will also be representing the American Bus Association and Motor Coach Industries, manufacturer of the coach.

DC Trails' new wheelchair-lift-equipped MCI J4500 comes with the latest EPA-compliant clean-diesel engine technology that uses ultra-low sulfur diesel for near-zero emissions. The J4500 also features a lighter, high-efficiency cooling system and optimized axle ratios to improve fuel economy. Standard safety features include Electronic Stability Control that assists the driver in critical situations; a tire-pressure monitoring system that warns of low pressure, high tire temperatures or tire failure; and an Amerex fire-suppression system. Options include side view and back-up cameras. Passengers enjoy plush seating for 54 with three-point seatbelts, cup holders, footrests, six 15-inch LCD monitors, 110-volt power outlets at each seat and Wi-Fi connectivity.

DOT's 2013 Earth Day Fair, themed "Move Green: Inside and Out," featured displays of green initiatives within and beyond DOT's LEED-certified building at 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.

"It's an outstanding opportunity for us to present our coach at DOT's Earth Day Fair," said Bill Torres, President of DC Trails. "Every day, our fleet takes tourists around our nation's capital, and we're very pleased to offer them the luxury, comfort and environmental benefits found on the MCI J4500. It's gratifying to run a business that is making a contribution to the way people choose to travel. A fully occupied motor coach can take up to 55 cars of the road, cutting down on congestion and creating a greener, cleaner highway system."

A military veteran and former motor officer assigned to the DC police special operation division (responsible for escorting the country's highest officials and foreign dignitaries), Torres founded DC Trails in 2000. Today its fleet of 60 coaches serves the entire U.S. and Canada, with trips to 43 states in the last year alone, totaling more than 2.5 million miles. DC Trails holds the highest safety rating with DOT as well as with the Department of Defense, which certifies the company to transport military personnel. Torres' wife, Liliana, co-founded sister company Quality Tour Transport in 1989. Together, they manage nearly 120 employees and a full-service maintenance shop. Learn more at www.dctrails.com.

About MCI

Offering luxuriously appointed models that are industry best-sellers, MCI is the leading intercity coach manufacturer in the United States and Canada with sales, service and repair facilities in both countries. MCI's D-Series is the best-selling line of coaches in industry history, with more than 13,000 units built. Its J4500 coach model has been the industry's best-selling intercity coach for nine consecutive years. MCI is also the distributor of the custom-tailored, German engineered Setra S 417, Setra S 407 and Setra parts in the U.S. and Canada.

MCI supports the industry's green initiatives by partnering with the American Bus Association to sponsor the Green Operator Award and with the United Motor Coach Association for the Green Highway award. The awards recognize members of the associations' environmental achievements from maintenance practices and fleet care to day-to-day business practices and policies.

MCI has also earned the very first Best of BUSRide Green Award. The magazine recognized MCI for building efficient models with rock-bottom emissions and lower fuel costs. It also factored in MCI's achievement as the only builder of alternative fuel models (the Commuter Coach, available in diesel-hybrid and CNG).

Press contact: Patricia Plodzeen Public Relations, 847-283-0883; or Motor Coach Industries Marketing Department, 847-285-2035.

CSA - Compliance, Safety, Accountability

CSA Login

FMCSA.gov

FMCSA Portal

DOT.gov

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Frequently Asked Questions

The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are questions and answers about Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) compiled to assist the public. As questions come in through the website, FMCSA adds them to the database along with their answers. If you do not see your question or topic addressed, please contact us by submitting a feedback form. We will respond to you directly and consider your question for inclusion in the FAQs.
The FAQ area has recently been enhanced. Users can now search FAQs by stakeholder group, topics (displayed on the left side of the page), or by entering a keyword below. Choosing “Show All” will display the entire collection of FAQs.

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Can you explain how safety event groups work in the Safety Measurement System (SMS)?

One of the ways the SMS accounts for the differences between motor carriers and their operations is by placing carriers in safety event groups based on the number of safety events (e.g., inspections, crashes) in which the carriers have been involved. However, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s foremost concern is safety and it accomplishes this by addressing the carriers who pose the greatest crash risk, irrespective of their industry segment.
Safety event groups enable the SMS to deal with the widely diverse motor carrier population, while ensuring that similarly situated carriers are treated with the same standards. Safety event groups do not compare carriers by the commodities they haul or their industry segment.
The tables below outline the safety event groups for each of the Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories (BASICs) and can be found in theSMS Methodology document.
Hours-of-Service (HOS) Compliance, Driver Fitness, and Vehicle Maintenance BASICs

Safety Event Group Category	Number of Relevant Inspections*
1	3-10 (HOS Compliance) 5-10 (Fitness, Vehicle)
2	11-20
3	21-100
4	101-500
5	501+

Hazardous Materials Compliance BASIC

Safety Event Group Category	Number of Relevant Inspections*
1	5-10
2	11-15
3	16-40
4	41-100
5	101+

*A relevant inspection is one where the roadside inspector reviewed a particular area for evidence of violations (not all inspection types/levels look at all areas).
Controlled Substances/Alcohol BASIC

Safety Event Group Category	Number of Inspections with Controlled Substances/Alcohol Violations
1	1
2	2
3	3
4	4+

The Unsafe Driving and Crash Indicator BASICs divide the safety event groups further into two additional categories: combo and straight segments. The following is used under the SMS to determine the carrier's segment:

Combo – combination trucks/motor coach buses constituting 70 percent or more of the total Power Units (PUs).
Straight – straight trucks/other vehicles constituting more than 30 percent of the total PUs.

Unsafe Driving BASIC

Safety Event Group Category	Combo Segment: Number of Inspections with Unsafe Driving Violations	Straight Segment: Number of Inspections with Unsafe Driving Violations
1	3-8	3-4
2	9-21	5-8
3	22-57	9-18
4	58-149	19-49
5	150+	50+

Crash Indicator BASIC

Safety Event Group Category	Combo Segment: Number of Crashes	Straight Segment: Number of Crashes
1	2-3	2
2	4-6	3-4
3	7-16	5-8
4	17-45	9-26
5	46+	27+

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Frequently Asked Questions

The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are questions and answers about Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) compiled to assist the public. As questions come in through the website, FMCSA adds them to the database along with their answers. If you do not see your question or topic addressed, please contact us by submitting a feedback form. We will respond to you directly and consider your question for inclusion in the FAQs.

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Can you explain how safety event groups work in the Safety Measurement System (SMS)?

Safety Event Group Category	Number of Relevant Inspections*
1	3-10 (HOS Compliance) 5-10 (Fitness, Vehicle)
2	11-20
3	21-100
4	101-500
5	501+

Hazardous Materials Compliance BASIC

Safety Event Group Category	Number of Relevant Inspections*
1	5-10
2	11-15
3	16-40
4	41-100
5	101+

Safety Event Group Category	Number of Inspections with Controlled Substances/Alcohol Violations
1	1
2	2
3	3
4	4+

Combo – combination trucks/motor coach buses constituting 70 percent or more of the total Power Units (PUs).
Straight – straight trucks/other vehicles constituting more than 30 percent of the total PUs.

Unsafe Driving BASIC

Safety Event Group Category	Combo Segment: Number of Inspections with Unsafe Driving Violations	Straight Segment: Number of Inspections with Unsafe Driving Violations
1	3-8	3-4
2	9-21	5-8
3	22-57	9-18
4	58-149	19-49
5	150+	50+

Crash Indicator BASIC

Safety Event Group Category	Combo Segment: Number of Crashes	Straight Segment: Number of Crashes
1	2-3	2
2	4-6	3-4
3	7-16	5-8
4	17-45	9-26
5	46+	27+

(link)